GREECE TOUR EXPERIENCES:

Day 3 – Thursday, October 17: Amphipolis, Kavala, Philippi, Thessaloniki

Today was our first full day here in Greece. The weather was partly cloudy and cool (50s) in the morning but sunny and warm in the afternoon, with highs around 70. We left the hotel shortly after 7:35 a.m. following a great breakfast. We read from portions of Philippians 1 and 2 as we headed north and east for the day.

Amphipolis

Using the ring road around Thessaloniki, we drove north on one of Greece’s many great highways Amphipolis. The city was established in the 4th century BC and was visited by Paul (Acts 17). We saw the famous lion statue here from the 4th century BC.

Kavala

We re-boarded our bus and continued north to Neopolis in Paul’s day (Kavala today). Paul sailed into this port following his Macedonian vision at Troas (Acts 16). Today, only the Byzantine (and later Turkish-Ottoman) aqueduct and fortress can been seen archaeologically. Outside a Greek Orthodox Church a modern monument is erected honoring Paul’s journey here.

Philippi

After a wonderful lunch outside the archaeological site of Philippi, we visited the ruins of the city connected with Paul. We saw the theater, the Late Roman basilicas, the forum (marketplace), and the Praetorium – Bouleuteriun (judgement hall, the most likely place of Paul and Silas’ imprisonment). We read from Acts 16 about God’s miraculous intervention on behalf of Paul and Silas. The jailor placed his faith in Christ that night too. The so-called “traditional “ prison of Paul is a later 2nd century structure and used as a cistern.

Just outside the site of Philippi we visited the river outside the city. It was somewhere along the Zygaktes River where Lydia (from Thyatira) heard and received the kingdom message of Christ from Paul and Silas (Acts 16). She and her household also received Christ and were baptized. Paul also confronted a Pythia, or fortune teller. She may have been one who gave oracles at Delphi (we will visit this site in two days). We also celebrated Debra’s baptism here in the river. What a special experience!

Downtown Thessaloniki

From here we drove back to Thessaloniki. Before we arrived back at the hotel, we drove to the Roman Forum (Agora, marketplace) in the heart of the city. This was the marketplace mentioned in Acts 17 where Paul was. The text mentions a man named Jason who helped Paul and Silas. The text also mentioned the “city officials” (in Greek, Politarchs, as found on an inscription discovered here from the 2nd century AD). We also remembered certain believers mentioned by name (Aristarchus and Secundus) who were from this city (Acts 20:4, Romans 16). They served as later companion travelers with Paul. About one block away we made a brief stop to the Church of St. Demetrius. This was an ancient church dedicated after Demetrius, a martyr who died in 303 AD. Today this well-used Greek Orthodox Church is a landmark in the city.

We returned to our hotel nearby at about 7:45 for a late dinner and a good night’s rest.

Day 4 – Friday, October 18: Thessaloniki, Berea, Vergina, Meteora, Kalambaka

Today was our second full day. We enjoyed another great breakfast before we checked out of our hotel and loaded our bus at 7:30. We welcomed another cool morning before it warmed up again to about 70, with partly sunny skies by the afternoon. We read from 1 Thessalonians 1 as we left the hotel at 7:40.

Thessaloniki

We started the morning by driving along the shoreline of the city and to the the White Tower, a 15th century structure (although previously built during the earlier Byzantine Period). This structure was used as a prison during there Ottoman/Turkish period. We also saw an impressive statue of Alexander the Great is also in this area of the coastline of the city. From here, we drove up the hill to see the ancient Late Roman fortress walls at the Acropolis of the city. The view was incredible of the city below, the second largest city in Greece today (1.2 million). We read from 1 Thessalonians 4 about the return of Jesus as King!

Berea

Driving about 50 minutes south across the agricultural plain from Thessaloniki, we came to Berea. It is called Verea in Greek. While there is no archaeology here to see dating to the time of Paul, we read the Acts 17 passage in front of a small modern monument constructed in the heart of this city. We recalled about how the believers here searched the Scriptures diligently. Sopater, a believer from the city of Berea (as well as Aristarchus and Secundus from nearby Thessalonica) was a new believer who eventually became traveling companion with Paul as well towards the end of his third missionary journey (see Acts 20:4 again). God transformed and called others to join Paul in ministry!

Vergina

About 20 minutes away is Vergina. We first walked to the archaeological ruins of the royal tombs of Macedonians. Discovered in 1977, these tombs were quite impressive! While there are actually four tombs to see here, the tombs of Philip II (the father of Alexander the Great) and Alexander IV (or the “Prince”) are amazingly well preserved even after more than 2,300 years! These two tombs were found intact. In the museum we also saw many of the items found in these tombs, including many incredible gold pieces, armory and weaponry of Philip II, among other personal items.

After our visit to the museum, we enjoyed a very typical Greek lunch that included choices of traditional dishes such as moussaka, lamb, and Greek salad. It was a great meal!

Meteora/Kalambaka

Following lunch, we continued our scenic drive south to Kalambaka. This is the heart of the country of Greece. We traversed up and over the Pindos mountain range. At about 5 p.m., we arrived to the area of Meteora. Six Greek monasteries are still active here (of a total of 24), the earliest dating back to the early 1,300’s. We entered the monastery of St. Stephen’s. Aliki and Sofia took us into the chapel area. Monks (and Sisters) for 100s of years have dedicated their lives in carefully building these with such precision. The view from the area and these monasteries was stunning. Upon leaving the one called St. Stephen’s, we drove to a few panoramic views of the area and Kalambaka far below. Dr. Steve Austin offered a wonderful geological lecture about the area. After checking in to our hotel, we enjoyed a great buffet dinner once again and a free evening!

Day 5 – Saturday, October 19: Thermopylae, Delphi, Athens

Today we drove south through more of the mountains of Greece, with a final destination in Athens. Again, the beauty of the high mountains (80% of Greece is mountainous), valleys, and plains of inland Greece was incredible to behold. The weather was about the same as yesterday, but with more cloud cover, cooler temps (60s), and with a few sprinkles at Delphi. We read from portions of 2 Thessalonians 1,, 2, and 3 as we left the hotel at 7:45 to begin the day.

Thermopylae

The morning drive took us on a section of a beautiful brand new highway to the area of Thermopylae. It was here in the famous battle that took place in 480 BC where King Leonidas, along with 300 Spartan greeks (and incidentally along with 700 Thespian greeks) were defeated by the Persians. The battle field could be clearly seen. These Persians would be later defeated in a sea battle at Salamis shortly after. Today, only a monument stands in honor of the courage of these brave greek warriors.

Delphi

Continuing southward, we drove towards Delphi. Before climbing the final stretch of mountains, we first enjoyed lunch at Itea, a small quaint town along the Ionian (Adriatic) Sea coastline.

Following lunch, we arrived in Delphi. First, we walked through the museum. Many impressive artifacts are displayed here, including the famous bronze charioteer (dating to 476 BC), and the Gallio Inscription. This was written by Claudius who mentioned “my friend Gallio the proconsul of Achaia.” Luke mentions him as well as the one who listened to Paul at Corinth (Acts 18). It was discovered here in 1905.

The archaeological site nearby was quite impressive. We ascended through the site, complete with the famous Athenian Treasury, Temple of Apollo, and the theater. The Pythian Games were held at the stadium (which we could not see) here in Delphi every four years in honor of Apollo. Many also climbed to the top of the well-preserved stadium at the top of the site. The climb was challenging but worth the effort. Paul used the image of “running the race” often (i.e. 1 Corinthians 9, Philippians 3, 2 Timothy 2, etc…).

Delphi was known in this classical period of Greece as the place of oracles. The women who shared oracles were call Pythia. Acts 16:16 uses the same word. Paul and Silas preached that accepting Christ as spoken in the very Word (e.g. oracle) of God and trusting in God’s Spirit is what gives purpose and direction for our lives! Paul would also say that we are there “temple of God” with God’s Spirit indwelling within us (1 Corinthians 3:16f).

As we left the site, we saw the gymnasium, the Temple/Sanctuary of Athena (the Tholos, a unique rounded structure) below us amidst the ruins.  is the most photographed structure in all of Delphi.

Athens

Following the visit of this incredible classic Greek site, we drove to Athens. We arrived about 2.5 hours later. We checked into our hotel and enjoyed a late dinner together. During dinner, many of us took the elevator to the 9th floor to enjoy a spectacular rainbow over the Acropolis! Our potential plans to visit Constitution Square and Lycabetus will be postponed until tomorrow night.

Day 6 – Sunday: October 20: Mycenae, Corinth, Cenchreae, Athens, Optional Walk to Constitution Square & Lycabetus.

Today we traveled to the Peloponnese of Greece. We left the hotel at 7:30 again following a wonderful breakfast on the 11th floor of our hotel. The weather was perfect, with partly sunny skies, and temps around 70. We read portions of 2 Corinthians 4 and 5 as well left the hotel.

Corinthian Canal

We drove south from the hotel to the Peloponnese of Greece. Our first stop was at the famous Corinthian Canel. It was built over a 11 year span (1882-1893) and is 3.8 miles long, 75-85 feet wide (the width varies at each ends), 280 feet deep, with the water level around 26 feet. It is really a quite incredible engineering feat!

Ancient Corinth

We then traveled another 20 minutes to the ancient site of ancient Corinth. We first visited the archaeological site. We began in the small museum. Here, we saw an image of the Menorah and many clay sculptures of the body parts represented (dedicated to Asclepius, also see 1 Corinthians 12). Among the ruins we saw the Temple of Apollo (one of 14 total pagan temples), the forum (agora in Greek), and the bema (or judgement seat) where Paul shared his defense/testimony before Gallio, (see Acts 18). Paul was here for a year and a half during his 2nd mission journey. From here he wrote letters to the Thessalonica church in the north. During his brief stay here at the end of his 3rd mission journey, we wrote Romans. It was delivered by Phoebe (Romans 16).

After lunch in the public square of Corinth (many had gyros!), we walked down to the area of the theater where we saw the important Erastus Inscription (he donated his own money for the public works, see Romans 16:23).

Before leaving the area of Corinth, we drove up to the Acropolis for a peak of the Temple of Aphrodite and a spectacular view of the plain of Corinth 1800 feet below. The massive walls and gates date from between the the time of the Crusaders, Ottomans, and Venetians. Many made the climb to an incredible viewpoint of the plain and port of Corinth below.

Mycenae

From here we drove about 30 minutes to Mycenae. Much of what we saw dates from 1,350 – 1,200 BC. After eating lunch at a local restaurant in modern Mycenae, we visited the site. We walked under the famous Lion’s Gate (1,200 BC). We also saw the shaft tombs (where over 30 pounds of gold was found in the 1870s excavations), the palace area, and the cistern. We also saw the Bee Hive tomb of Atreus, the father of King Agamemnon (also called the Treasury of Atreus). We enjoyed singing How Great Thou Art and the Doxology in the tomb. We so ended like a heavenly choir. 🙂

Cenchrea

Leaving Mycenae, we started our way back to our hotel in Athens for a late dinner. But before leaving the area of Corinth we made a brief stop at Cenchreae (Acts 18) on the way. This was the harbor Paul used to sail to Ephesus and eventually back to Caesarea. Here Paul cut his hair because of the Nazarite vow he had made (Numbers 6:18). Phoebe also served the church established here (Romans 16:1). 

We drove back to the hotel, arriving for dinner at 7 p.m.

Constitution Square & Mt. Lycabetus

Following dinner at the hotel, many in the group walked to Constitution Square to see the changing of the guards. From here, some returned back to the hotel while others (about 30) continued to the top of a highest hill in Athens called Lycabetus. The view was incredible from here offering a panoramic view of all of Athens. This includes seeing the Acropolis and the port of Piraeus!

We all walked back to the hotel and back to our rooms to retire for the evening. We are all looking forward to the start of our 4-day cruise tomorrow morning.

Day 7 – Monday, October 21: Athens, Laurion Port, Start of 4-Day/Night Cruise, Mykonos

This morning we enjoyed a late deparutre (9:30). This allowed us to enjoy a relaxing breakfast once again on the top of the hotel, providing an incredible view of the Acropolis and Parthenon (we will visit this on Friday morning). Tasos and Alexis (our Greek agents with us for the 4 day cruise) gave us tags for our bags for the cruise boat. We loaded the bus for the drive to the Laurion port of Athens (not the usual port of Piraeus). The drive to the port took a little over an hour.

Following the standard procedures of boarding the ship, the ship pulled out of the port in the early afternoon. We enjoyed the standard life-jacket drill and lunch on the ship. The rest of the afternoon was a leisurely one as we sailed about 66 miles to our first Greek island, Mykonos. The deep blue waters of the Aegean was beautiful! Today’s weather also made it perfect, with full sun once again and highs in the 70s.

Mykonos

We arrive at the island of Mykonos about 5:30 p.m. We disembarked the ship around 6:30m using tender boats to take us to the new port of the island. We then took shuttle buses to the old harbor. We then strolled through the maze of walkways and white-washed buildings before arriving at the famous windmill area. We enjoyed the waterfront (called Little Venus) lined with shops and cafes. After time walking around on our own, we returned to the ship on our own for a late dinner. While we sleep tonight we will travel to Kusadasi on the western coastline of Turkey.

Day 8 – Tuesday, October 22: Kusadasi (Ephesus) & Patmos

Following sailing through the night to Kusadasi (on the western coastline of Turkey), today was another perfect weather day, with bright sunny day,  blue skies and highs around 75. It was a day of connecting to Paul’s ministry once again (at Ephesus), but also John’s ministry as he authored Revelation (from Patmos). The day started early, with a 6:45 a.m departure from the ship following breakfast.

Kusadasi

Here at Kusadasi (it means “bird island” in Turkish) is where we met our bus and local guides (Yulia and Tuba). Located on the western coastline of Turkey, this port city is a vacation and retirement locations for many Brits and Europeans. From here we drove directly to Ephesus.

Ephesus

We arrived in Ephesus at about 8 a.m. This was a massive port city back in the days of Paul. Today the water’s edge is about 4-5 miles away! Paul spent about three years here during his 3rd mission journey.

Starting from the upper part of the city and walking on the ancient 2nd century BC stone pavement (used by Paul later) towards the port, we past by a vast number of archaeological ruins. This included the odeon (small theater), statues, pillars, arches, inscriptions, public latrenes, and the Celsus Library (which dates to the early 2nd century AD). Sitting together in the agora, we read portions of Acts 19 about the dramatic event that took place in the grand theater. It held about 22,000 people! Seeing the city and knowing about the Temple of Artemis (Diana) that once stood here helped us understand the challenges Paul faced in sharing the kingdom message. We also read from Revelation 2.

On the way back to the ship we made a stop at a local rug shop/store (it’s an unavoidable part of the excursion deal). It was very interesting, however, to learn how Turkish rugs are made, whether from cotton, wool, or silk. Shortly after noon we re-boarded the ship and enjoyed lunch and some free time. It was fun being on the deck as the islands past by.

Patmos

As we set sail out of Kusadasi for the southwest, we past by the narrowest opening, with the coastline of Turkey on our left and the island of Samos on our right (Acts 20:15). Paul stopped here on this mountainous island at the end of his 3rd mission journey en route back to Jerusalem.

Later in the afternoon we gathered on the top deck as we approached the island of Patmos. This island is another one of the picturesque Greek islands. While imprisoned on this island, the Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation from here (Dr. John believes prior to 70 AD, not in 90 AD). To get to the island, we had to use tender boats.

Upon arriving on the island, we enjoyed some free time. Some took a taxi up to the Grotto of the Apocalypse (a very traditional stop where John supposedly was imprisoned and received his vision) to the area of a Greek Orthodox monastery. It is called St. John’s and it has been active for a little over 900 years! Many others in the group explored the hiking trail that ascended up past the Grotto. The view from here is spectacular!

This visit to Patmos reminded us that Revelation is a victory book written by John who was exiled here, that honors Christ! We read from Revelation 4 and 5 as we celebrated the promise of Christ’s redemption and victory over evil, His Second Coming, and the establishment of a new heaven and earth!

Down at the water’s edge we explored the shops and cafes at our leisure on our own before we took the tender boats back to the ship for dinner. During the night hours while we sleep we sail to the island of Rhodes.

Day 9 – Wednesday: October 23: Rhodes: Lindos Acropolis, Port

Today we spent the entire day on the Island of Rhodes. Wow, what a great day and a beautiful island! During last night, we sailed to the side of the island where in ancient was a Colossusstatue 110 feet tall (it was built in 304 BC over a 12 year period). The weather was amazing again, with full sun, and highs in the high 70s. Following breakfast, we gathered on the ship at 8 a.m. for a time of Scripture (Revelation 4, 5, 22 about Patmos yesterday).

Lindos

Following our gathering and debriefing, we left the ship and boarded our two rented buses to Lindos. Located on the other side of the island, it took about an hour to get there. Once we arrived, most of us climbed to the top of the impressive Acropolis of Lindos. The Temple of Athena – Lindia was here among other ruins from the Greek and Roman period. Paul stopped at Rhodes (and perhaps this side of the island, although as can’t be sure) on his way back to Jerusalem at the end of his 3rd journey (see Acts 21). He also would have sailed past Rhodes at the end of his 2nd journey and at the start of his voyage to Rome. The view from the top of the acropolis was stunning! After see the acropolis, some walked along the cliff line well below. We also enjoy gyros and ice cream. 🙂

Day 10 – Thursday, October 24: Crete & Santorini

Today was another perfectly sunny day, with temps once again around 70. The Greek islands are known for its blue skies and beautiful islands. The morning began with a full buffet breakfast once again. We then all met on the 9th deck where we read from Titus 1 and 3 as we prepared to leave the ship at 7:30.

Crete

Once we disembarked the ship, we met our two local guides and boarded our buses. The excursion here on the island of Crete first took to the Knossos excavations. Here we saw the archaeological discoveries of the Minoan civilization. They were probably one of the forerunners of the Philistines. Most suggest Caphtor (in Jeremiah 47:4, Amos 9:7) is the ancient island of Crete, while they were called the Sea Peoples by the Egyptian Pharoah, Ramses III in the late 13th-12th century BC.

As for the Minoans, this people group dates back to about 2,000 BC (about the time of Abraham). At Knossos we saw the restored palace area, with many frescoes and other ruins. Biblically in the New Testament, it was Paul who left Titus here on this island, giving instructions on appointing church leaders in the towns (Titus 1:5ff). Also, Paul himself would have sailed around the lee of Crete (Acts 27:7) on his way to Rome. They found refuge from the wind in the port called Fair Havens on the southern side of the island.

Before leaving the island we enjoyed some free time walking around the shops and stores at the town square of Heraklion. A few of the ruins from the Venetians can be sen here as well. Some of us bought olive oil (since Crete is well known for having the best!). Many also enjoyed the beautiful blue waters down at the port area. We boarded back on the bus that took us back to our ship.

Day 11 – Friday, October 25: Athens, Acropolis, Mars Hill, the Plaka, Overnight in Athens or Flight to Rome

Today was our last full day in Greece and and our last day together as a large group. Following breakfast on the ship, we disembarked about 7:15 and loaded up our buses for our tour of Athens. Fifty six of us flew to Rome on an 7:35 p.m. flight, while the rest enjoyed one more night in Athens before their flight early Saturday morning. Once again, we enjoyed sunny blue skies, with perfect temps in the low 70s. We read from Romans 8 as we left the the port.

Athens

It was about an hour and half drive that took us to downtown Athens. First, we drove to the base of the Acropolis. We then climbed to the top of the Rock of Areopagus (“Mar’s Hill) where Paul delivered his testimony. From here we could see the Agora a bit closer-up, which included the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa. We read Paul’s “defense” he gave (recorded in Acts 17) as he was seized and arrested and dragged/siezed (epi-lambano in Greek) before this legal court (similar to how Socrates was seized for teaching something new to children in 399 BC). In the context of the pagan customs and culture of the day, Paul was quite bold in proclaiming Christ here. Praise God for those who heard and responded to Paul’s message that day!

Next, we began our climb to the top of the Acropolis. We past the odeon (small theater that held 5,000) and the Temple of Nike, and then through the Propylea (“gate-way” marked with huge pillars today). Reaching the top we saw the Erechtheum (a temple built in 421-406 BC honoring Athena, Poseidon, Zeus, and Erechtheus a local goddess) and the Parthenon (built between 447-432 BC). Looking down on the top from the Acropolis in all directions we could see the Temple of Zeus, the Agora (the center of economic and public life) the Stoa of Attilos, and Mt. Lycabetus (that some in the group climbed earlier this week).

Leaving the Acropolis, we returned to our buses.

City Tour of Athens

Leaving this area, we boarded back on the bus and enjoyed a brief city tour of Athens. We drove past by the Temple of Zeus, and the old Olympic stadium of Athens (made of all marble and restored for the 1896 Olympic Games) and Constitution Square.

Next, we all got dropped off by Hadrian’s Arch and walked to the Plaka. We enjoyed grabbing our last gyro here and last-minute shopping. We retuned to Hadrian’s Arch to be picked up by our buses. From here drove to the Titania Hotel where we said goodbye to those not going to Rome. Those staying behind enjoyed dinner together and overnight in Athens.

Those going to Rome then boarded back on the buses and drove to the airport for our evening flight to Rome.

Day 12 – Saturday, October 26: Flight Home from Athens OR Vatican & Sistine Chapel, Basilica of St. Peter’s, St. John’s Lateran Church & Sacred Steps

For those who did the Greece Tour only, this was a day of travel. Various flights from Athens took folks back to the States. It was an early morning for all. However, Alexis accompanied the group to the airport.

For those who chose the optional Rome extension, it was our first full day in Rome. The weather was perfect, with highs in the low 70s again. We enjoyed a nice breakfast here at the Mediteraneo Hotel. We boarded the bus at 7:35 and drove to the Vatican City. We read from Romans 6 on the way. Paul wrote Romans from Corinth during the end of his 3rd journey (around late 56 or early 57 AD). Phoebe delivered the letter to the cluster of Roman house churches established here by converts from Paul’s ministry in Asian Minor, Macedonia, and Achaia.

Rome is very large, with about 6 million residents (3 million living inside the city limits, with 3 million living around the city). This means a LOT of traffic, everywhere! There are a total of 453 churches in Rome. The ancient Roman walls that we saw from time to time throughout each day (dating from 269-275 AD) are 19 kilometers (13-14 miles) long. 380 towers were incorporated into the wall as well as 14 gates.

Vatican City

We drove directly from the hotel to the Vatican where we visited the museum and Sistine Chapel. About 850 people live in the “Vatican” today, the world’s smallest official “state.” Getting into the Vatican with special “VIP” status helped us avoid the hours-long lines. We divided into three smaller groups to walk through the museum and church with our guides. Upon entering, we got our first glimpse of St. Peter’s Church. 

Vatican Museum/Sistine Chapel

Walking through the museum was packed with people. However, it was also filled with ancient artifacts, tapestries, and maps was breath-taking. Even the ceiling of the hallway is amazing! Finally we arrived at the Sistine Chapel. The uncle of Pope Julius II built the Chapel in 1483 when Michelangelo was only five years old. So many of his teachers began painting the images in the chapel. The ceiling was left blue, with golden stars until Michelangelo began his masterwork in 1508. He was 37-38 years old at this time. It took him four years of painting the ceiling. Much later, we also spent another five years to complete the Last Judgment scene on the front wall of the chapel. The chapel is simply stunning! Michelangelo was 89 when he died in 1564. About 35,000 enter the Sistine Chapel every day.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Leaving the chapel we entered St. Peter’s Basilica. It is the largest in the world. The original church was built in 319-326 AD, but the present church was built in 1504. It took 120 years to complete! When Michelangelo was 73, he started designing the dome of the church, the largest in the world. As we walked through the church, we saw a replica of the famous Pieta sculpture of Mary holding the crucified Jesus (the room housing the real Pieta was under construction). We also saw the remains of a few Popes who earned “sainthood” after their deaths. Leaving the church we entered Vatican Square. It is a large gathering place in front of the church itself.

We enjoyed nearly two hours of free time in the area of the Square. Many enjoyed their first Italian Pizza!

St. Paul’s Church Outside the Walls

Following our lunch and free time, we met our bus again and drove to the St. Paul’s Church Outside the Walls. The church originally goes back to 330 AD. It was rebuilt many times. A fire in 1823 destroyed it, but it was rebuilt shortly later in 1827. By tradition, Paul was buried here. The traditional hand cuffs that bound Paul are also displayed here. 267 Popes are also displayed here all around the sanctuary. The church is owned and maintained by Vatican City.

St. John’s Lateran Church & Sacred Steps

Our last stop of the day was to the Sacred Steps. As a monk, Martin Luther climbed these steps on his knees, trying to merit forgiveness. It is believed that Helena brought the 28 steps from Jerusalem. The steps are to believed to be used by Jesus went brought before Pontius Pilate.

Across the street is the St. John’s Lateran Church (formerly called Church of our Savior). This was the very first official church, built in 313 AD (St. Peter’s Cathedral was built in 319-326 AD). Up through the 14th century AD, all the Popes lived in the adjacent building next to the church. The church was later redone in the 1500s. The new Pope always comes here and is appointed the Bishop of Rome here.  Because of the church being the bishop center, it is viewed as the most sacred of all Catholic Churches around the world. Twenty two Popes are buried here.

We returned back to our hotel at about 4:30 p.m. We enjoyed a very relaxing dinner at 7 p.m, followed by an optional walk to the Colosseum. We also saw the Piazza Venecia (originally built in the 15th century) and our first glimpse at the Roman Forum. It was a great first day here in Rome!

Day 13 – Sunday, October 27: Appian Way, Ostia Antica, Catacombs

Today was our second full day here on the Rome extension. We began the day with a moving moment on the Appian Way and ended with a solemn time down in one of Rome’s catacombs. The weather was absolutely perfect once again, with mild morning temps and most sunny skies with highs around 70s in the afternoon. We read from Acts 28 about Paul’s journey here to Rome as we left at 8:05.

Appian Way

Following a relaxing breakfast, we boarded our bus and drove about 20 minutes to a small section of the Appian Way. Paul would have used this ancient road that dates back to as early as 312 BC. Paul walked 170 miles of this road into Rome, beginning at Puteoli (where his ship landed after the shipwreck at Malta). We walked about 10 minutes on this ancient pavement. We enjoyed a quiet time of reflection and song on this Sunday morning, reading from Romans 12 and then listening to “Holy Forever.” It was a special time.

Ostia Antica

We then drove towards the coast of Rome to the ancient port of Rome, Ostia Antica. The site was massive (it had a population of about 200,000), with ruins from the 1st century BC through the Byzantine Period. Among the ruins we saw numerous houses, the theater (built in 12 BC), bathhouses, the Forum (Capitalium), and the Thermopolium. The site is somewhat similar to Pompeii three hours to the south. We even saw a Menorah here on one of the marbles. It’s very possible that Paul knew this Jewish community here (and perhaps visited this group of Jews?) when he was in Rome. Following the site to the site, we enjoyed an extended time in the small village of Ostia for lunch and gelato. 🙂

Catacombs

At 2:10, we drove back towards Rome to the Catacomb of Domitilla. This is one of the five or six of the largest underground cemeteries in Rome (a total of 62 catacombs have been discovered). This one was a Christian graveyard and it dates from about 150-450 AD. This catacomb here consist of 4 labyrinth layers of graves spanning about 8 miles. It is believed that there were 27,000 tombs here (2,000 of them have are still untouched). It was incredible to see so many of them. It was a cool 17 degrees Celsius down below (64 degrees).

We ended the day by driving back to the hotel for some time of leisure before another wonderful sit-down dinner at 7 p.m. We enjoyed a free evening before retiring. Our last day here in Rome is tomorrow. We are looking forward to seeing the Forum and the prison of Paul, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon.

Day 14 – Monday, October 28: St. Peter in Chains, Colosseum, Constantine’s and Titus’ Arches, Roman Forum, Mamertine Prison, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon

Today was our last day in Rome. Although we were on our feet all day long, it was a remarkable day! We have been blessed with perfect weather throughout the trip. Today was no exception, with sunny skies and temps in the low 70s. We read from Romans 8 as we left the hotel at 7:45 p.m.

St. Peter in Chains

It was only a short bus ride to church called St. Peter’s in Chains.” This church is where (traditionally of course) Peter was held in chains here. 1 Peter 5:13 suggests that Peter was in Rome. Other early church fathers attest to this as well. The 1st century chains that are on display in the front of the church were given to the Pope in the 5th century. This began the legend. Also inside the church, a Moses Sculpture by Michelangelo is displayed. He began this project when he was 30 years ago.

The Colosseum

From here we walked a short distance to the Colosseum. This massive amphitheater built between 72-80 AD (started by Vespasian, and completed by Titus). The first 8 years was just to prepare the foundation and lower levels. Over 300 tons of iron (e.g. pins) was used to hold the structure together. The Colosseum held up to 70,000 people. Gladiators fought here for 450 years against both animals and other men. The last use of the Colosseum was 523 AD. Later, two earthquakes destroyed about half of this structure. Going inside the Colosseum was amazing! We first went to the top for a panoramic view. We then descended down to the lower level. 54 lifts or trap doors were used to lift both animals and gladiators.

Constantine’s & Titus’ Arch

Exiting the Colosseum we next past by Constantine’s Arch. This was built in 315 AD. It is one of seven arches still standing today. As we walked towards the Forum, we also soon passed by Titus’ Arch.This arch was built shortly after the Jerusalem campaign in 70 AD. Inside the arch is a display of the Menorah taken from the Temple in Jerusalem.

Roman Forum

From Titus’ Arch, we entered the Roman Forum. We past by all kinds of Roman structures, pillars, and the open area of this ancient marketplace. In this area of the forum is the Basilica of Julia and the Temple of Castor & Pollux (mentioned in Acts 28:11. These two “twin gods” of Jupiter, gods of protection for sea-farers and warriors). It is most likely Paul was condemned to death in the Basilica of Julia in 67 AD at the hands of Nero.  God used him in amazing ways to spread the Gospel to so many! He gave his life for the cause of Christ!

Mamertine Prison

At the north end of the Forum we visited the Mamertine Prison. Here stands a Catholic Church called St. Joseph’s of the Carpenters. Beneath this structure are the remains of the traditional site of the imprisonments of the Apostle Paul and the Apostle Peter in Rome. This prison was simply known as “Carcer” (“prison”) in Paul’s day. The term “Mamertine” was attributed to the prison in the Medieval Period.

The Carcer was the only prison in ancient Rome. When someone was sentenced to death, they were brought here to await execution. Below the upper chamber is a circular room called the Tullianum. Prisoners entered the Tullianum from the Carcer by being lowered through a hole in the Carcer’s floor. According to tradition, the apostle Peter caused the well-water to spring up so that he might baptize his jailors.

The state rarely incarcerated common criminals, but kept the Mamertine Prison for political prisoners doomed for execution by being thrown off the Tarpeian Rock. Enemies of the State were often strangled in the Tullianum. Others were beheaded after being sentenced to death in the Basilica of Julia. Since the 7th century AD, the Mamertine Prison has been used as a place of worship.

Following our visit of the prison, we read from portions of 2 Corinthians 11, 2 Timothy 4, Romans 15, and Romans 8. Paul endured a lot for the sake of the Gospel. Praise be to God for his faithfulness and perseverance to the end!

Trevi Fountain / Pantheon

From here walked past the Victorinio Emmanuel Venezia monument (built between 1871-1911) to get to the famous Trevi Fountain. The place was packed with people. We then walked another 10 minutes to get to the Pantheon, the largest dome built in the ancient world. Most confidently date the building to the Emperor Hadrian’s reign and describe its purpose as a temple to all the gods. We enjoyed lunch in this area, with many in the group paying the five euros to see inside the Pantheon.

Until modern times, the dome was the largest built, measuring about 140 feet in diameter and rising to a height of 71 feet. It was Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa (in 27 BC) who first built it as an ordinary classic temple, However, it was rebuilt by Hadrian jn the 2nd century (between 118 and 128 AD).

We walked about 10 minutes from here to where we loaded on the bus. We arrived back at our hotel about 5:30. We enjoyed our “last supper” at 7 p.m. Most in the group wake early tomorrow for our morning flights back home!

Day 15 – Tuesday, October 29: Flight Home from Rome, Arrival in U.S.A.

We depart the hotel this morning for the Rome Airport for our flight back to the States. While big-time delays were encountered (i.e. canceled flights), We all arrived safely back. Thanks be to God for His protection over us and for bringing together a wonderful group of fellow believers!